Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting yet nourishing, you’ve got to try this Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and the delightful texture of pearl couscous into one soul-warming bowl. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my go-to, especially on chilly evenings or when someone in my family needs a little extra TLC. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever called chicken soup plain before!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Fresh veggies and herbs give the broth a bright, refreshing taste, while the couscous soaks up all the goodness without turning mushy. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need and why they’re essential.

• Avocado or olive oil: I prefer avocado oil for its mild flavor and high smoke point, but olive oil works great too.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to provide that classic savory depth you crave in soup.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely so it softens and sweetens the broth beautifully.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced to cook evenly and release their natural sweetness.
• Celery stalks: Roughly chopped for that subtle aromatic crunch.
• Fresh grated ginger: This is my secret to adding zing and warmth; freshly grated always outshines the powder.
• Fresh grated turmeric or ground turmeric: Adds earthiness and a gorgeous golden color—wear gloves if you want to avoid staining!
• Low sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium gives you control to adjust seasoning exactly how you like it.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts are great if you want leaner meat.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Chopped—herbs that bring garden-fresh bright notes to the soup.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, of course, seasoning is everything here.
• Pearl couscous: Its slightly chewy texture stands up perfectly to the broth.
• Frozen peas (optional but recommended): I always add peas last for a pop of sweetness and color.

Variations

I love making this Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to get creative and switch things up—it’s pretty forgiving and always tasty!

• Plant-Based Version: I once swapped out chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and used canned chickpeas instead of chicken—it turned out surprisingly hearty and super flavorful.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa paste gives the soup a warm spicy twist that wakes up your taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Swap: When I couldn’t find gluten-free couscous, I just used quinoa—it kept the texture nice and I loved the nuttiness it added.
• Extra Veggies: Throw in some chopped zucchini or bell peppers when you want a veggie-packed meal; just add them with the carrots and celery.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Aromatics

Start by heating your avocado or olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir these for a few minutes until the onion looks translucent—this step is crucial because it helps build the base flavor of your soup. I usually set a timer for around 4-5 minutes here and keep stirring to avoid any burning.

Step 2: Add Fresh Ginger and Turmeric

Next, sprinkle in the freshly grated ginger and turmeric. I love this step because the aroma hits you immediately – it’s like a mini spa moment in your kitchen! Sauté everything together for about 30 seconds. Don’t skip this step—the gentle cooking helps release the spices’ vibrant flavors without turning bitter.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Chicken with Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth and carefully add your chicken pieces along with fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. I always make sure the chicken is fully submerged to ensure even cooking. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly to keep a steady simmer. Pro tip: if your chicken breasts are large, pounding them slightly to an even thickness helps them cook faster and more evenly.

Step 4: Stir in Couscous and Simmer

Once boiling, stir in your pearl couscous. It’s important to stir them down so they’re covered by the broth—trust me, I learned that the hard way when my couscous stuck to the top and got dry. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the couscous is tender but still maintains a slight chew. If your broth level drops too low, just add a splash of water or more broth to keep things juicy.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Add Peas

Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the chicken onto a cutting board and shred it with two forks—this part always makes me feel like a pro! Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot, add the frozen peas, and give everything a good stir. The peas only need a couple minutes to warm through and keep their bright color and sweetness.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few basil leaves on top for a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness. A little squeeze of lemon just before serving takes this soup to another level — it brightens all those warm flavors beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders here too.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this chicken soup with a warm, crusty whole grain bread or a simple side salad to keep things light yet complete. Sometimes, my family goes crazy with garlic naan or even a side of roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I have guests over, I serve the soup in rustic bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pretty finish. Another fun idea is to serve the couscous and chicken separately, allowing guests to ladle broth over their serving—it keeps the couscous fluffy and customizable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the soup cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember the couscous soaks up broth over time, so when reheating, you might want to add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is totally doable, but I recommend leaving the peas out if you plan to freeze it—they tend to change texture when thawed. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth if it feels too thick or dry. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stove method because it warms more evenly without overcooking the chicken or couscous.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Soup with Couscous Recipe has been a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s that perfect mix of cozy, wholesome, and easy that I keep coming back to—whether for weekday dinners or when someone needs a little boost. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as kind to your taste buds as it is to your body, I promise you’ll enjoy this one as much as my family does. So grab your pot, invite your loved ones, and get ready to make some heartwarming memories!

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